'I wanted more, I wanted to get to the final'

Kaka came into the World Cup after an injury-plagued debut season with Real Madrid.

Brazilians hoped he would peak at the right time and find the form that saw him named World Player of the Year in 2007.

But, like the rest of his team, he showed only exasperating flashes of his true potential, despite improving slowly as the tournament wore on.

"There were moments when I didn't think I was going to make it to the World Cup but my team mates gave me support and helped me to keep fighting," he told reporters. "Only I know how much I fought to get here."

"I wanted more, I wanted to get to the final, I wanted to challenge for our sixth world title.

"We lost on the details, on two set pieces, and this causes a feeling of pain and frustration.

"I know how painful it is for those who are suffering with us and they can know that we are suffering as well."